Investigating factors that predict celiac disease in infants at risk
Official title: The Celiac Disease Genomic, Environmental, Microbiome, and Metabolomic (CD-GEMM) Prospective Cohort Study
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10905694 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the gut and certain substances in the body can help predict if babies at risk for celiac disease will develop a gluten intolerance, so we can find ways to help them stay healthy and avoid problems with gluten later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $822,642 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI169645-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905694 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants who are genetically at risk for celiac disease, particularly those with HLA DQ2 or DQ8 genes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not genetically predisposed to celiac disease or who are already diagnosed with the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify specific gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles that can predict the loss of tolerance to gluten in infants who are genetically predisposed to celiac disease. By studying a cohort of infants at risk, the researchers will compare the microbiome and metabolic profiles of those who develop celiac disease with those who do not. The goal is to implement early preventive interventions that could help re-establish tolerance to gluten and prevent the onset of autoimmune responses. This multidisciplinary approach combines genetics, microbiology, and immunology to better understand the triggers of celiac disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early interventions that prevent the development of celiac disease in at-risk infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of microbiota and metabolic profiles in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fasano, Alessio — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fasano, Alessio
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.